And I Was Your Silver Lining As The Story Goes I Was Your Silver Lining But Now I'm Gold

The combination of chunky knits over flannels and plaids has quickly become one of my favorite go-to outfits. The right amount of comfort mixed in with the right amount of style is all I need in San Francisco. While my ever-growing collection of sky high heels has yet to find its way on to the concrete sidewalks of the city, my favorite Nine West kitten heels walk with me everywhere (one of the best shoe investments I've ever made). I also have them in a higher version and they are equally as comfortable, as they are fashionable. Take them to the cobbler every now and then and your feet are set. You've seen this men's flannel before, but I can't stop wearing it. It warm and has pockets -- why are guy flannels so much better?? Seriously, ladies, don't be afraid to shop in the men's department...I maybe do it more than I should. The grey purse is pretty old but I recently dug it up in my bin of bags and now I reach for it whenever I run out the door. These are the second set of photos from last week's shoot with Tim. Aren't they pretty?? I am so excited to continue working with him -- he is an AWESOME photographer (like you couldn't already tell).

Pants: Guess; Sweater (c/o) & purse: Forever 21; Flannel Plaid: Ezekiel via Nordstrom; Necklace: H&M; Heels: Nine West; Photos by: Tim Wong

Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining

In other news, my birthday is next week! By now I usually already know how I want to celebrate, but this year I'm stumped. I thought it would be kind of fun to do a special Q&A post in honor of the day, so please feel free to comment below with some burning questions you've always wanted to know about me. I realized that I've never done a post addressing my most frequently asked questions, so this will be fun! Looking forward to reading what you've got for me! :) ALSO, don't forget that my Benefit Cosmetics giveaway ends this Friday! So get those entries in!

I was a Heavy Heart to Carry But He Never Let Me Down When He Had Me in His Arms My Feet Never Touched The Ground

I was working on my usual Wisdom Wednesday post, when Tim sent over the batch of photos from our shoot this past Monday. I quickly stopped in my tracks and lost all focus as I "ooh'd" and "ahhh'd" over his amazing, amazing photography. I assure you one thing: I am not a model. I blink 9/10 times when people count to three, I make really awkward faces, I don't know how to "smize" (as Tyra would say), and I don't know my angles. Having said that, when you work with an patient, fun, and extremely talented photographer, such as Tim, somehow, with very little help from my end, you get amazing photos such as these. I've wanted to shoot at the Palace of Fine Arts for some time now. I've mentally put together scores of outfits and thought about different concepts for shoots. Finally, I got lucky and this happened. We were fortunate that day, as the rain stopped pouring and the tourists stayed away, which ultimately lead to rather peaceful result.

Dress worn as skirt, ring, & belt: Forever 21; Vintage Sequin Sweater/Top: Crossroads Trading Co.; Bag: Urban Outfitters; Shoes: Charlotte Russe; Photos by: Tim Wong

Florence + The Machine - Heavy In Your Arms

I got this dress (which I styled as a skirt) a while back at Forever 21 and fell in love with the terra cotta color. The vintage sequined top I picked up at Crossroads for a whopping $7.50. Yeah. You read that right. I love everything about it, from the intricate design to the lovely detailing at the top. The shoes, I've worn maybe twice now and have quickly come to the realization that while I do love to collect heels, I cannot for the life of me walk in them. To be fair, these shoes are half a size too big, which is probably the reason why I can't walk in them. Sure they're about five inches tall, but sky's the limit right? If anyone thinks they can show the shoes more love than I can, let me know as I'm thinking of putting them up for sale. Stay tuned for round two from Monday's shoot. You can bet your bottom dollar that Tim's photos won't disappoint.

Wisdom Wednesday

“Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.” -- Henry David Thoreau

"Here Comes the Sun,"  Nasty Gal

There's nothing more fulfilling than doing what you love and loving what you do. Make sure you're doing it. Life's too short to be anything but happy.

Forever 21 Fun

Forever 21 2 Stockton Street

All of my F21 goodies! (picture c/o Maria)

Maria leaving with some amazing pieces.

Level one was my favorite. Boho chic and my signature style!

Close up of the contents of Maria's bag.

I knew last week was off to a good start when I was lucky enough to win Maria's $100 Forever 21 giveaway. If you know me, you know that Forever 21 is one of my absolute favorite places to shop. So, when I found out that I won not only a gift card to my favorite store, but also a chance to spend a morning shopping with one of the Bay Area's chicest and most stylish bloggers, I was ecstatic! It was so much fun going through Forever 21's new Stockton Street location here in San Francisco. Imagine three amazingly clean levels of color, print, and style. Before I knew it, my giant Forever 21 shopping bag was overflowing! I took the opportunity to branch out while picking out clothes by only grabbing items that were colorful and/or had a great print. By the end of the morning, I left with a whole bag of goodies and only paid $10 after my gift card. All and all, spending a Friday morning with a fellow fashionista and the Forever 21 crew filming and snapping pics of you, was not a bad way to start off the weekend at all. Big, big thanks again to Maria of Kitties + Couture for hosting the giveaway and Alexandra & the rest of the Forever 21 team for their hospitality!

Be sure to check out Maria's blog, if you haven't already. And for more fun, check out Maria's interview on Forever 21's blog, The Skinny, to get to know her and see some fun snaps from our morning adventure!

FINALLY... I'd like to announce the winner of my own giveaway with JewelMint and StyleMint! Drum roll please... KITKATRY924, you are the winner!! You'll receive an email from me shortly :) Thank you to ALL who entered! More giveaways are coming your way, so definitely come back soon!

Wisdom Wednesday

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." -- Muhammad Ali

"Perfectly Understated," Look Book, Sosie

The first Wisdom Wednesday of 2012! I thought it was important to start with a strong one. And what's stronger than the "world's greatest?" Well, simply put, this advice. It's a new year for us all, and with that comes  resolutions, goals, and plans for the future. We all sit there and swear that this will be the year we lose 10 pounds or stop spending so much money and save a little. This will be the year that we hit the gym harder and put down the sweets. So amidst all this planning for our fresh new start, I just wanted to remind you to dream big and get it all done. Really, start today. Whatever it is, however "crazy" you think it might sound, just believe you can. There's nothing you can't do, and I honestly believe that. Do what makes you happy and don't ever, ever let anyone tell you that you can't. For those who can't see the future ahead of you, tell them to get their sunglasses ready. The future's bright and it's your time to shine. After all, what's impossible? Nothing. Happy 2012, everyone. I'm so very excited for all the good things coming our way. 


PS - I have some amaizng, amazing news to share with you all and I am bursting at the seams to spill. I promise to let you know as soon as I can! And don't think I've forgotten about my special JewelMint & StyleMint giveaway. If you entered, stay tuned.. a winner will be announced soon!!!